St Kilda Pier Redevelopment

Project status

The new St Kilda Pier opened in December 2024.

The old pier has now been removed, and the new low landing opened.

The project

This project is transforming the area into a more welcoming and accessible destination for everyone to enjoy. The new pier design provides improved public space for more people, improved views of St Kilda and the city skyline, better protection and viewing of St Kilda Breakwater's Little Penguins, a wider disability compliant walkway, new toilets, tiered seating and preservation of the heritage kiosk. The new pier is constructed from concrete and timber and extends about 450 metres with a 50-year design life.

Parks Victoria is delivering this exciting rebuild of the iconic St Kilda Pier in partnership with the Department of Transport and Planning.

Community updates

Videos

St Kilda Pier redevelopment's new low landing for the pier.

Above: July 2025.

Above: February 2025.

Spring 2024

Above: September 2024

St Kilda Pier July 2024

Above: July 2024 - Timber curved section showing old pier to be removed on completion of new pier.

Above: April 2024 - Timber curved section almost complete

Project funding

This project is being delivered with a $53 million funding investment from the Victorian Government.

Project timeline

2020-2021 - Detailed design (Complete)

February 2022 - Construction commences (Complete)

August - September 2022 – Piling works continue from water and relocation of the foreshore rock groyne (Complete)

December 2022 – Continued installation of precast concrete headstocks and deck panels and pouring of the concrete deck (Complete)

January - April 2023 - Establish temporary diversion away from the kiosk using gangways and pontoons. Continued installation of steel piles, precast concrete headstocks and deck panels, pouring of the concrete deck, and commence installation of timber structure and service conduits. (Complete)

2024 - Installation of timber decking, penguin viewing area and terrace area (Complete)

December 2024 - Opening of the new pier (Complete)

Late 2024 - Mid 2025 - Deconstruction of the existing pier (Complete)

Mid 2025 - restoration of the foreshore and removal of the site compound (Underway)

Who are we working with?

The Department of Transport and Planning

City of Port Phillip

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

2017 Community Engagement Phase

In 2017, we engaged with more than 550 people to identify a design for a redeveloped St Kilda Pier that would best support the local community and visitors. A stakeholder reference group was established, and feedback was given in community and stakeholder forums, at market stands and via an online survey on Engage Victoria. The Engagement Summary Report provides an overview of the values, ideas and aspirations provided by community members and stakeholders during the engagement period in 2017. This feedback has been taken into consideration and used to inform the design and desired characteristics, facilities and services for the new pier.

2017 - St Kilda Pier Redevelopment Engagement Summary Report

FAQs

Why do we need a new pier?

St Kilda Pier is an iconic part of Melbourne's history, and Parks Victoria is committed to ensuring it remains a great place to visit. We have been considering the future of the pier for several years, in response to both the expected replacement works, and in response to recent and future planning in the surrounding areas. Designing and building a new pier provides us with an opportunity to refresh the services and amenity the pier provides to Victorians and our visitors, and to strengthen its connection to the foreshore and the broader beach experience.

How did you decide on the curved pier option?

Two options, a curved or straight pier design were developed from a pier design concept developed in 2007-08 and published in the St Kilda Harbour Master Plan. During September and October 2017, more than 550 people engaged with us about the redevelopment of St Kilda Pier and provided feedback on the two options. A community reference group was established, and feedback was provided in community and stakeholder forums, face to face at market stands and via an online survey on Engage Victoria. There was resounding support for the curved pier option, over the like for like replacement of a straight pier. Further professional advice from engineers and designers was sought in the development of the design and in 2017 Parks Victoria, City of Port Philip and the Victorian Government endorsed the curved option.

What impacts will there be on the pier’s Little Penguin colony?

St Kilda Pier Breakwater is home to a colony of nearly 1,300 Little Penguins. As part of the project, a new visitor viewing platform has been constructed to improve penguin viewing and provide penguins with more protection. The platform has been designed with specialist input to ensure that penguins can move freely without the current intrusions of humans and will deliver 150m of additional protected wildlife habitat adding to the existing 500m of protected habitat on the breakwater.

What will the penguin viewing be like?

Significant growth in visitation over recent years to view the penguin colony at St Kilda Pier has driven the need to review and consider a more active visitor management strategy. First and foremost this will ensure the safety and wildlife protection of the little penguin colony and a better balance between visitor experience, and staff and volunteer safety. Parks Victoria is working with Phillip Island Nature Parks as Victoria's leading penguin ecotourism and conservation provider, to establish a vision for the new penguin viewing experience.

What parts of St Kilda Pier are being replaced?

The 450m section of pier that connects the foreshore to the kiosk is the primary focus of this project. In addition, this is an opportunity to provide better protection for the Little Penguin colony; improve the viewing area and provide all-abilities access to it.

Will the pier be closed to visitors during construction?

Construction of the new pier commenced in mid February 2022. The 1970s built pier remained open during the construction of the new pier. Removal of the old pier began once the new pier was opened for public use in December 2024.

How many people currently visit St Kilda Pier?

More than 800,000 visits are made to St Kilda Pier every year to enjoy the view, go fishing and spend time with friends and family. In peak season, the pier hosts more than 6,000 visitors a day.

Who can I contact for more information?

If you have questions or want to learn more about a project, you can call the Parks Victoria team on 13 19 63 or email us at engage@parks.vic.gov.au. You can also sign up for email updates relating to St Kilda Pier.